How to Escape Safely When Your Car Plunges into Water?

A car accident involving a plunge into deep water can be terrifying, but knowing the right actions can mean the difference between life and death. This guide will provide essential survival techniques to help you escape safely if your car ever ends up submerged.

 

 

Stay Calm and Brace for Impact

As soon as your car hits the water, remain as calm as possible. Use both arms to brace your shoulders, tuck your head down slightly, and curl your body to minimize injury from the impact. If you're the driver, grip the steering wheel tightly.

Unbuckle and Prepare for Escape

Once the car stabilizes, immediately unbuckle your seatbelt. Cars usually take between 30 seconds to 2 minutes to sink completely, giving you a small window of time to act. The vehicle's electrical system may function for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing you to roll down the power windows.

Exit Through the Window, Not the Door

• Use the power window buttons to lower the windows before the car sinks further.
• If the power windows fail, use the manual window crank if available.
• Once the window is open, quickly exit and swim to safety.

🚨 Avoid opening the car door immediately! The outside water pressure makes it nearly impossible to push open, and forcing it open will cause water to rush in, sinking the car faster.

Breaking the Window if Necessary

If the windows won’t roll down, you must break them:

• Use a window-breaking hammer, sharp-heeled shoe, screwdriver, or even strong kicks.
• Aim for the corners, as the center of the glass is harder to shatter.
• Do not try to break the windshield, as it's reinforced and much harder to smash.

What If the Car Sinks Too Fast?

If the vehicle sinks before you can escape:

1. Stay calm and wait until the water level inside the car rises to chest level.
2. This will equalize the pressure inside and outside, making it easier to open the door.
3. Remove heavy clothing and shoes to improve mobility.
4. Take a deep breath, open the door, and swim out.

Rescuing Children

• Keep them calm and reassure them.
• Once the water level reaches chest height, instruct them to hold their breath (or gently pinch their nose if needed).
• Open the door, push them out first, and then follow immediately.

Getting Help After Escaping

Once you're out:

• Signal for help by waving or shouting.
• If you can swim, assist others who may need help reaching the shore.

Knowing these survival techniques can save your life. Stay calm, act fast, and prioritize escaping through the windows.